Overview & Reviews

Toyota is a Japanese brand whose refined, well-designed vehicles have earned it a great deal of popularity. Toyotas also have a superb record for reliability and durability, which goes a long way toward justifying their typically high purchase prices. For buyers who plan on owning their new vehicles for a long time, the Toyota marque is a very compelling choice.

The automaker's name is a variation of the surname of its founder, Kiichiro Toyoda. After years of research, Toyoda unveiled his first prototype, the A1, in 1935, marking the birth of the Toyota Motor Corporation. The '40s witnessed the launch of additional passenger cars and even a pickup. By the end of the decade, the automaker had produced more than 100,000 vehicles.

Toyota grew bigger in the '50s and expanded its roster with a slew of new small cars. The company also unveiled the utilitarian BJ truck; this vehicle was the precursor to the Land Cruiser. By the end of the decade, Toyota had commenced exports to the U.S. with the establishment of Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A., Inc. The first Toyota to be sold on American shores was the Crown; it held the distinction of being the first Japanese car to be sold Stateside.

The '60s witnessed even more growth for the emerging juggernaut. Toyota introduced the Corolla, an immensely popular model that is still in production today. Vehicles like the home-market Publica, the 2000GT, Hiace and Miniace were also launched. The decade closed with Toyota reporting annual domestic sales of 1 million units; cumulative exports also reached 1 million.

Japanese-market cars like the Carina, Light Ace and Publica Starlet were launched during the 1970s. In the States, the Corolla grew in popularity and the Corona and Mk II models debuted as well. The successful Celica sports coupe was also rolled out and would remain in production for more than 30 years. Toyota's shadow had spread far beyond Japan by this point. The decade's oil crisis had made the manufacturer's compact, fuel-efficient models more popular than ever in the United States. By the time the '70s drew to a close, the automaker had exported more than 10 million vehicles.

Toyota expanded its presence in the U.S. market during the '80s, with the introduction of popular models like the 4Runner SUV and the MR2 sports car. The true high point of these years, though, was the birth of the Toyota Camry sedan. Originally known as the Celica Camry in Japan, the car went on to be a hit of phenomenal proportions, earning kudos as America's best-selling car of the year time and time again.

During the '90s, Toyota rolled out the Avalon full-size sedan and expanded its selection of SUVs with the compact RAV4. By the end of the decade, more than 100 million Toyota vehicles had been produced in Japan. The company also proved itself on the cutting edge of new technology with the rollout of the Prius, the world's first mass-produced hybrid. The car debuted in Japan in 1997; by 2001, the fuel-sipping sedan had made its way to American highways. Despite the presence of a growing number of competitors in its segment, the Prius continues to boast class-leading sales.

Toyota's current lineup is relatively extensive, including minivans, cars, trucks and SUVs. The brand remains extremely popular among savvy consumers who place a high value on quality and dependability.

User Reviews:

• 

  Excessive Oil Consumption - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By ravnmad - July 12 - 9:05 pm

  My 2007 RAV4 ran dry on oil at 96,000 miles. Always maintained in a reasonable manner. Dealer and manufacturer refused to help offset repair cost that included replacing the 2.4 AZ-FE engine. There is a technical service bulletin addressing the design flaw of the 2AZ-FE engine, specifically related to the piston and ring assembly (TSB-0094-11). Reall list for this RAV4 includes intermediate shaft in steering column, Faulty air bag sensor, Rear lower control arm failure, unexpected acceleration and power widow switch fire hazzard to name a few. This list doesnt include the many TSBs affecting quality, namely the excesive oil consumption bulletin.

• 

  Wifes opinion - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By martha scudder - July 12 - 5:33 pm

  As a front seat passenger, I would like less feel of every crack in the road. Leg room, at full stretch, is excellent. Husband loves to drive the Prius. At age 85, he has driven many cars. We are very impressed with speed and pick-up. We often drive to 6500 foot elevation , no problem.

• 

  An impressive small car - 2013 Toyota Yaris
  By jscion - July 12 - 10:33 am

  I just replaced my Scion xA with a Yaris L 5-door in Classic Silver and I have to say that I really like this car a lot. Im so glad that Toyota did away with the awful center mounted gauges. I had those in my Scion xA and grew to hate the whole setup after a few years. The interior in the Yaris is extremely well designed with easy to use controls, nice materials and very good fit and finish. It feels like a much larger, more expensive car than it actually is and drives great in the city, on the thruway, and even in the snow and ice. Out the door with tax and everything, the Yaris was a very reasonable $17,700. The Yaris is also one on the most reliable cars you can buy.

• 

  Disappointed with Camry L MPG - 2014 Toyota Camry
  By tlaloc100 - July 12 - 1:13 am

  I bought my new Camry L 2014 a month ago. I was going to get a Corolla, but the dealer had a 20% discount on all Camrys for that weekend, and I decided to go for it. I would be VERY happy with my new car except for its very poor MGP fuel performance. Driving with the ECO on all the time, I am hardly getting 20.5 miles per gallon in city! How can this be? How can Toyota get away underrepresenting Camry MPG for almost 20%? I have read other owner comments on this issue at this site and I am shocked to learn that some Camrys are making 26 mpg in city. Is my car an anomaly? Is there anything I can claim to my dealer about this? What can I do? Suggestions welcome.

• 

  Not comfortable.... - 2009 Toyota Prius
  By indian77 - July 11 - 10:16 pm

  The car is great, the comfort level is not so good. What this car lacks is what the latest certain Prius models have improved upon. There is no power driver seat, so finding that sweet spot for driving is a real challenge. For example, you will be finding yourself reaching out for that steering wheel when you are in a comfortable position. That will put strain on your arms while driving. There is no lower back support, so for long drives that can be for hours, this is a lower back killer. Make sure you do your daily stretches to overcome the physical drawbacks of sitting in this car.

• 

  Yaris 2007 4 dr sedan - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By JPR - July 11 - 8:10 pm

  The Toyota Yaris had turned out to be the best car that I have ever purchased. My wife was hesitant at first however she now thinks it is a great car. The mileage is hard to beat. It now has over 30k miles and if it is driven right, I can reach 44 mpg on 1 tank of gas.

• 

  ridin squeaky - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By matt pohle - July 11 - 7:40 am

  Have had for 3500 miles now. Super smooth ride for off-road suspension, great looks, comfortable interior, ample get up & go V-8. Poor MPG for small 4.7 liter V-8 (avg. 13-14 mpg). Recurring problem w/ VERY noisy serpentine belt. Have had back at dealer 2 times now in less than a month, have 3rd appt. scheduled for same problem. Dealer says its either faulty belt or belt tensioner (both have been replaced). Either way, didnt expect to have such a problem w/ a "reliable" Toyota that cost me over $30k.

• 

  Worst Vehicle Ive Ever Owned - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By wisernow1 - July 11 - 7:28 am

  Before the final stroke of the pen, I decided to buy the Toyota extended warranty - which actually seemed ridiculous that a Toyota wouldnt go 100K without a major problem. That was the only redeeming feature of my purchase: by 80K miles they replaced the alternator, air conditioning condensor, all valve stems and the COMPLETE ENGINE. When I informed Toyota of this total disaster they produced, the best response I got was that it was a good thing I bought the warranty. It is now gone and Ill never deal with a Toyota product again.

• 

  The Camry Hybrid Is Awesome! - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By cookeja24 - July 11 - 5:00 am

  I bought the car in Williamsburg VA and drove it 1,000 miles home to FL. I became a huge fan within the first 20 miles. I test drove several in the local area that didnt have the color and options I wanted so traveling to get it wasnt a problem, especially when it got 41 MPG on the highway on its first trip! I couldnt get over how quiet the interior is and how comfortable the car is to drive. There isnt a car on the road that has the quality and the gas mileage of this car. Im hooked on my Toyota and I have my wife hooked too! Buy now!

• 

  Disappointed - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By herbertspoof - July 10 - 6:45 pm

  Purchased used 5 years ago with 86,000. Didnt flinch at the mileage due to Toyotas reputation for reliability; car drove well, at first. Sold at 109,000 due to expensive repair and maintainence costs including: All 4 wheel bearings, $500 a pop. Breaks completely replaced, some more than once. $2,000 spent on breaks in just 2 years. Evaporator sensor went bad; $400 just for the part. Muffler developed a small hole; $400 for a new one. Straw that broke the camels back: drive shaft developed a wobble and needed complete replacement $1,200. Cut my losses and unloaded the hunk of junk. Other car was a 20 year old Subaru Legacy that had fewer problems and was cheaper to maintain.